Most people have a vague understanding that America has a huge long-run fiscal problem.
They’re right, though they probably don’t realize the seriousness of that looming crisis.
Here’s what you need to know: America’s fiscal crisis is actually a spending crisis, and that spending crisis is driven by entitlements.
More specifically, the vast majority of the problem is the result of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, programs that are poorly designed and unsustainable.
America needs to fix these programs…or eventually become another Greece.
Fortunately, all of the problems can be solved, as these three videos demonstrate.
The first video explains how to fix Medicaid.
The second video shows how to fix Medicare.
And the final video shows how to fix Social Security.
Regular readers know I’m fairly gloomy about the future of liberty, but this is one area where there is a glimmer of hope.
The Chairman of the House Budget Committee actually put together a plan that addresses the two biggest problems (Medicare and Medicaid) and the House of Representatives actually adopted the proposal.
The Senate didn’t act, of course, and Obama would veto any good legislation anyhow, so I don’t want to be crazy optimistic. Depending on how things play out politically in the next six years, I’ll say there’s actually a 20 percent chance to save America.
[…] All of which brings me back to where I started, namely that there will be giant tax increases on lower-income and middle-class households if we don’t figure out a way to restrain and reform entitlements. […]
[…] All of which brings me back to where I started, namely that there will be giant tax increases on lower-income and middle-class households if we don’t figure out a way to restrain and reform entitlements. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] we don’t implement the right kind of entitlement reform, our children and grandchildren at some point will curse our […]
[…] in July, I made the case for the right kind of entitlement reform in a discussion with the folks at Live and Let […]
[…] Obama wants us to move in the wrong direction at an even faster pace. And he definitely opposes the types of entitlement reforms that could save the […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] states, “There are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] states, “There are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] so, I hope Republicans rekindle their interest in the kind of genuine entitlement reform discussed in this […]
[…] so, I hope Republicans rekindle their interest in the kind of genuine entitlement reform discussed in this […]
[…] At the risk of repeating advice from previous columns, genuine entitlement reform is the only solution to America’s long-run spending problem, ideally enforced by a Swiss-style, […]
[…] At the risk of repeating advice from previous columns, genuine entitlement reform is the only solution to America’s long-run spending problem, ideally enforced by a […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] all, the government theoretically could “do more” by reforming entitlements, shutting down useless federal departments, and replacing the corrupt internal revenue code with a […]
[…] all, the government theoretically could “do more” by reforming entitlements, shutting down useless federal departments, and replacing the corrupt internal revenue code with a […]
[…] P.P.P.P.S. A spending cap is a simple solution, but it would not be an easy solution. In the long-run, it would require genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] who are clamoring for my preferred policies (such as shutting down departments, genuine entitlement reform, etc). But I also think that it’s safe to say that they don’t want the left’s agenda (class […]
[…] By the way, I would have greatly preferred if CBO estimated the impact of genuine entitlement reforms. […]
[…] who are clamoring for my preferred policies (such as shutting down departments, genuine entitlement reform, etc). But I also think that it’s safe to say that they don’t want the left’s agenda (class […]
[…] schemeswouldn’t work, though it would have been nice if they added some information on how genuine entitlement reform could solve the problem (as you can see here and here, I’ve also nit-picked other debt-themed […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] schemeswouldn’t work, though it would have been nice if they added some information on how genuine entitlement reform could solve the problem (as you can see here and here, I’ve also nit-picked other debt-themed […]
[…] schemes wouldn’t work, though it would have been nice if they added some information on how genuine entitlement reform could solve the problem (as you can see here and here, I’ve also nit-picked other […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] year. Simply stated, the country is in deep long-run trouble because of an aging population and poorly designed tax-and-transfer programs. Years ago, I was semi-hopeful that we would get Medicaid and Medicare […]
[…] year. Simply stated, the country is in deep long-run trouble because of an aging population and poorly designed tax-and-transfer programs. Years ago, I was semi-hopeful that we would get Medicaid and Medicare […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] My main message was pessimism since neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton supports genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] The real solution is entitlement reform, and here’s the explanation for how to do it in the United […]
[…] The real solution is entitlement reform, and here’s the explanation for how to do it in the United […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] This means politicians will be forced to act and I included this slide to show some of their main options (including my favorite, genuine entitlement reform). […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] Everything You Need to Know about Entitlement Reform […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] are certainly big-picture reforms that would be helpful. Genuine entitlement reform could address the problems with Medicare and Medicaid, and fundamental tax reform could get rid of […]
[…] are certainly big-picture reforms that would be helpful. Genuine entitlement reform could address the problems with Medicare and Medicaid, and fundamental tax reform could get rid of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.P.S. In the long run, a spending freeze almost certainly requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of over-simplifying, we will never get tax reform unless we figure out how to implement entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of stating the obvious, there is a solution to both Europe’s woes and America’s woes. Simply stated, there needs to be genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] At the risk of stating the obvious, there is a solution to both Europe’s woes and America’s woes. Simply stated, there needs to be genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] At the risk of stating the obvious, there is a solution to both Europe’s woes and America’s woes. Simply stated, there needs to be genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Long-run spending restraint inevitably will require genuine reform to deal with the entitlement crisis. Given the insights of “public choice” theory, it will be a […]
[…] but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Long-run spending restraint inevitably will require genuine reform to deal with the entitlement crisis. Given the insights of “public choice” theory, it will be a […]
[…] but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Long-run spending restraint inevitably will require genuine reform to deal with the entitlement crisis. Given the insights of “public choice” theory, it […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] I’ll close by observing that there’s actually a very simple solution to this problem. We need genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] right approach is genuine entitlement reform, but I freely admitted that this “pre-funding” model probably won’t […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] who are clamoring for my preferred policies (such as shutting down departments, genuine entitlement reform, etc). But I also think that it’s safe to say that they don’t want the left’s agenda (class […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] And if you want to feel even sadder, check out the projections showing that America will become Greece in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] to prop up entitlement programs. I agree with Stein that these programs are a problem, but the solution is to reform entitlements, not to rejigger the tax code in hopes of pumping out more […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’ve written about the failures of higher education, the need for entitlement reform, and the downsides of licensing, I obviously have no reason to disagree with any of his […]
[…] I’ve written about the failures of higher education, the need for entitlement reform, and the downsides of licensing, I obviously have no reason to disagree with any of his […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] to prop up entitlement programs. I agree with Stein that these programs are a problem, but the solution is to reform entitlements, not to rejigger the tax code in hopes of pumping out more […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] Everything You Need to Know about Entitlement Reform […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] P.P.S. My nightmare scenario is that GOP politicians decide the lesson of Trumpism is that they should copy his approach of being weak-kneed on the issue of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Everything You Need to Know about Entitlement Reform […]
[…] who are clamoring for my preferred policies (such as shutting down departments, genuine entitlement reform, etc). But I also think that it’s safe to say that they don’t want the left’s agenda (class […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] rabid libertarians who are clamoring for my preferred policies (such as shutting down departments, genuine entitlement reform, etc). But I also think that it’s safe to say that they don’t want the left’s […]
[…] easy. Restraining the growth of spending – especially in the long run – will require entitlement reforms, especially for Medicare and […]
[…] The authors then create an alternative scenario based on spending restraint, including entitlement reform. […]
[…] right. To avoid stagnation and decline, we desperately need spending restraint and genuine entitlement reform in the United […]
[…] entitlement programs, the burden of government spending in the United States (in the absence of genuine reform) is going to increase dramatically over the next few […]
[…] other words, unless there’s genuine entitlement reform, future Americans will be condemned to lower living […]
[…] is projected to skyrocket in future years because of the combination of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. In other words, our fiscal outlook is grim even if politicians don’t approve an additional […]
[…] The red portion of the chart is coronavirus-related spending, plus future interest payments on the additional borrowing for all that spending, and the blue portion is spending in prior years plus estimates of future spending (already on an upward trajectory because of poorly designed entitlement programs). […]
[…] I offered up three scenarios where a tax increase could be an acceptable price in order to achieve much-needed spending reforms. And I’ll even add a fourth scenario by admitting that I would trade a modest tax increase […]
[…] a constraint they don’t like. In the long run, complying with a cap also would require some much-need entitlement reform, which also won’t be popular with the interest groups that control […]
[…] By the way, last year’s long-run forecast from CBO shows the problem will get even worse in the following decades, especially if there isn’t genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] bottom line is that the most important fiscal issue facing America is the need for genuine entitlement reform. Achieving that goal is an uphill battle. But if politicians get a big new source of revenue, that […]
[…] But now for the bad news. All this progress will be wiped out very quickly if there’s not genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Unless there’s much-needed reform. […]
[…] create a third system for people (like me) who would like to opt out of existing redistribution and social insurance […]
[…] dismal future. But can we convince politicians to adopt a spending cap and then make it work with genuine entitlement reform? I’m not holding my breath for any of that to […]
[…] the problem could be easily fixed with policies – especially genuine entitlement reform – designed to limit overall spending so that the budget grows slower than the productive […]
[…] P.S. Since they are huge net losers from the current system, young people should be very amenable to a message of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] the absence of genuine entitlement reform, the United States at some point is going to suffer from a debt […]
[…] before the crisis occurs. The bad news is that our political class seems to have no interest in the reforms that would be necessary to avert the […]
[…] should be reforming these programs, both for fiscal reasons and economic […]
[…] want spending to grow, say, 2% annually rather than 5% annually, that will require some degree of genuine entitlement reform. And it means finally enforcing some limits on annual […]
[…] while entitlement reform never happened, first because of Obama and now because of Trump, it’s nonetheless a […]
[…] be sure, I don’t think it’s likely since Trump opposes sensible entitlement reform. But Tom’s column at least provides a teaching […]
[…] In many of my fiscal policy speeches, I explain that we face a major crisis because of demographics and poorly designed entitlement programs, but then tell audiences that we can solve the problem with structural program reforms. […]
[…] be sure, I don’t think it’s likely since Trump opposes sensible entitlement reform. But Tom’s column at least provides a teaching […]
[…] be sure, I don’t think it’s likely since Trump opposes sensible entitlement reform. But Tom’s column at least provides a teaching […]
[…] But if the problem is that government already is too much of a burden and that it would be a good idea to at least slow down the rate at which America becomes France, then the answer is genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I especially like the explanation of how young people are big losers because of the entitlement state. […]
[…] But if the problem is that government already is too much of a burden and that it would be a good idea to at least slow down the rate at which America becomes France, then the answer is genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Interestingly, Will and I may not actually disagree. This passage points out that it’s a good idea to fight against ineffective programs and to support entitlement reform. […]
[…] project during Obama’s presidency was to educate Republicans in Washington about the need for genuine entitlement reform. I explained to them that the United States was doomed, largely because of demographics, to suffer […]
[…] P.P.S. Some people tell me not to worry because the real problem is entitlement spending rather than appropriated spending. They’re right that entitlements are the biggest long-run problem. But I point out that if GOPers aren’t willing to tackle the low-hanging fruit of pork-filled appropriations, that doesn’t fill me with optimism that they will ever adopt genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] certainly true that deficits and debt will increase in the absence of genuine entitlement reform, but what irks me about this rhetoric is that a focus on red ink might lead some people to conclude […]
[…] the most important thing to realize is that the only solution to our budget mess is genuine entitlement reform. Which is why we need constitutional (and comprehensive) limits on total outlays. Politicians will […]
[…] the most important thing to realize is that the only solution to our budget mess is genuine entitlement reform. Which is why we need constitutional (and comprehensive) limits on total outlays. Politicians will […]
[…] People like me will respond by explaining that the real problem is entitlements and that we need structural reform of programs such as Medicaid and Medicare. Moreover, I will point out that higher taxes most likely […]
[…] But the fact that Republicans aren’t willing to enforce any discipline on discretionary outlays certainly does not bode well for the presumably more-difficult battle for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] to social dysfunction and pathology in our various underclass communities, and is facing serious fiscal shortfalls that will render it unsustainable. (Reform is a productive option worth […]
[…] first sentence and said the same thing in my talk with Neil. We will need congressional action to reform entitlements and save the country. And if that means bribing a few members to get votes, so be […]
[…] to warn students that they are the ones who will suffer if today’s politicians fail to enact genuine entitlement reform. And since I told them I wasn’t expecting reform with Trump in the White House, my message […]
[…] Why he’s wrong: It’s certainly true that America faces very worrisome long-run fiscal problems, but those challenges are entirely due to a rising burden of government spending. And since the GOP plan is only a tax cut in the first 10 years, it’s absurd to say the GOP plan will have any meaningful impact on that dismal outlook. If Rubin really was concerned about America’s fiscal situation, he would be aggressively arguing for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] reality, the problem is solved and tax increases are averted so long as reforms are adopted to ensure that entitlement programs no longer grow faster than the private […]
[…] reality, the problem is solved and tax increases are averted so long as reforms are adopted to ensure that entitlement programs no longer grow faster than the private […]
[…] I’ve shared, America actually is in better shape than these other nations. If we enact genuine entitlement reform, ideally sooner rather than later, the long-run numbers dramatically improve because spending and […]
[…] As I’ve explained before, Simpson-Bowles is best characterized as lots of new revenue on the tax side and plenty of gimmicky provisions on the spending side (rather than genuine reform). […]
[…] proposed entitlement reforms would lead to substantial long-run savings as younger workers are given the freedom to participate […]
[…] But because of dramatic demographic changes, we are doomed to have a large-sized welfare state. At least that’s what will happen if we don’t reform entitlement programs. […]
[…] the moral of the story for Americans is that we better enact genuine entitlement reform if we don’t want to suffer the same […]
[…] limit that wasn’t accompanied by something desirable such as a spending cap or entitlement reform. The politicians on Capitol Hill would balk of course, but Trump could shrug his shoulders and […]
[…] veto any debt limit that wasn’t accompanied by something desirable such as a spending cap or entitlement reform. The politicians on Capitol Hill would balk of course, but Trump could shrug his shoulders and […]
[…] the moral of the story for Americans is that we better enact genuine entitlement reform if we don’t want to suffer the same […]
[…] Remarkably, there’s an even bigger long-run problem with Medicare and Medicaid. Which helps to explain I relentlessly push for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Remarkably, there’s an even bigger long-run problem with Medicare and Medicaid. Which helps to explain I relentlessly push for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] This is a big reason why nations such as Greece and Italy already are in deep trouble and why it’s just a matter of time before the fiscal crisis spreads to France and Japan (and the United States if we don’t enact genuine entitlement reform). […]
[…] future because of demographic change and poorly designed entitlement programs. So unless we have genuine entitlement reform, we will become a failed welfare […]
[…] daily columns usually revolve around public policy issues such as tax reform, entitlements, and corrupt government. And while sometimes get a bit agitated about bad things in Washington, […]
[…] Trump proposes for Medicaid and other means-tested programs, and then add some reform of the other entitlements to the […]
[…] on some of my usual topics such as growth, real-world fiscal numbers, tax reform, fake budget cuts, entitlement reform, and my Golden […]
[…] Trump genuinely wanted lower taxes, he would be aggressively pushing for genuine entitlement reform. He […]
[…] Trump genuinely wanted lower taxes, he would be aggressively pushing for genuine entitlement reform. He […]
[…] When I write about poorly designed entitlement programs, I will warn about America’s Greek future. Simply stated, we will suffer the same chaos and disarray now plaguing Greece if we don’t engage in serious reform. […]
[…] We need to invoke my Golden Rule so that government grows slower than the private sector. In the long run, that will require genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] We need to invoke my Golden Rule so that government grows slower than the private sector. In the long run, that will require genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] that, of course, is the main lesson. The United States desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. While I’m not overflowing with optimism about Trump’s view on these issues, hope […]
[…] that, of course, is the main lesson. The United States desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. While I’m not overflowing with optimism about Trump’s view on these issues, hope […]
[…] that, of course, is the main lesson. The United States desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. While I’m not overflowing with optimism about Trump’s view on these issues, hope […]
Nixon had a secret plan for peace with honor to end the war in Viet Nam. His secret plan turned out to be reelect the President. He did not want to pay for the war, so he stole a considerable portion of the cost from SS. His example has been followed by others. I have been paying for Social Security since 1966, so sorry, fellas, it doesn’t feel like an “entitlement” to me.
[…] is an especially bad idea) is that the prospect of additional tax revenue kills any possibility of genuine entitlement reform. Simply stated, politicians won’t do the heavy lifting of fixing those programs if they think […]
[…] other words, in the absence of genuine entitlement reform, America will have a Greek-style fiscal mess at some point in the future. Or, as I wrote yesterday, […]
[…] that, of course, is the main lesson. The United States desperately needs genuine entitlement reform. While I’m not overflowing with optimism about Trump’s view on these issues, hope […]
[…] United States is going to become another Greece, and it’s largely because of poorly designed entitlement programs. As the old saying goes, demography is […]
[…] recent address to Congress, I’m also not holding my breath for much-needed spending cuts and entitlement reform. And it’s unclear whether we’ll see much progress cutting back on the mountains of […]
[…] United States is going to become another Greece, and it’s largely because of poorly designed entitlement programs. As the old saying goes, demography is […]
this from the cato institute seems like the same farse promoting 401k’s over pensions. more profit for wall street and big banks, and imagine an 80 year old dealing with the health insurance vultures using vouchers, talk about a death panel!!!
[…] government. He favored decentralization. He supported rolling back the welfare state. He favored entitlement reform. He supported tax cuts. He used his power and position to try to do the right thing. But when Trump […]
[…] But if the problem is that government already is too much of a burden and that it would be a good idea to at least slow down the rate at which America becomes France, then the answer is genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] in 2017 will control Congress and the White House, so they’ll have the power to fix our broken entitlement system and dramatically improve America’s long-run outlook. And since the House and Senate GOPers […]
[…] also possible that Washington will get serious about genuine entitlement reform. …if Congress adopted the structural reforms that have been in House budgets in recent years, […]
[…] being said, this doesn’t mean Trump is a lost cause and that genuine entitlement reform is an […]
[…] Interestingly, Will and I may not actually disagree. This passage points out that it’s a good idea to fight against ineffective programs and to support entitlement reform. […]
[…] Interestingly, Will and I may not actually disagree. This passage points out that it’s a good idea to fight against ineffective programs and to support entitlement reform. […]
[…] sinners who want to repent. Is the OECD now recommending corporate tax rate reductions? A flat tax? Entitlement reform? Elimination of wasteful departments, agencies, and programs? A spending […]
[…] being said, this doesn’t mean Trump is a lost cause and that genuine entitlement reform is an […]
[…] now, perhaps, you understand why I keep arguing in favor of genuine entitlement reform and why I think it’s so critical that Donald Trump reconsider his […]
[…] being said, this doesn’t mean Trump is a lost cause and that genuine entitlement reform is an […]
[…] – Given his disappointing rhetoric, it’s highly unlikely that Trump will embrace comprehensive entitlement reform. It’s especially doubtful that he will touch the programs (Social Security and Medicare) that […]
[…] 2021, genuine entitlement reform and sweeping tax reform could get enacted and Dan Mitchell could then safely retire to the Cayman […]
[…] My main message was pessimism since neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton supports genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] My main message was pessimism since neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton support genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] But if the problem is that government already is too much of a burden and that it would be a good idea to at least slow down the rate at which America becomes France, then the answer is genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] know if Donald Trump is serious about a spending cap (or whether he’s serious about the policies needed to make sure overall spending stays within a cap), but I know it’s the right […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] part, genuine entitlement reform is a good idea because you get better economic performance when you replace tax-and-transfer […]
[…] of protectionism, and that’s definitely not a recipe for prosperity. And he’s rejected much-need reforms to entitlement programs, which therefore makes his big tax cut totally […]
[…] other words, we need comprehensive long-run entitlement reform if we don’t want to become […]
[…] Changing demographics is one of the most powerful arguments for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Changing demographics is one of the most powerful arguments for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] demographics is one of the most powerful arguments for genuine entitlement reform. When programs such as Social Security and Medicare (and equivalent systems in other nations) were […]
[…] Changing demographics is one of the most powerful arguments for genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] what about entitlement programs, which arguably represent the greatest long-term threat to America’s economy? Trump certainly […]
[…] And when you look at projections for ever-rising spending (and therefore big increases in red ink) in America, it’s easy to see why I’m such a strong advocate of genuine entitlement reform. […]
Does any of this matter if the $550 Trillion to $700 Trillion derivatives bubble burst?
Reblogged this on GREGinSD's Blog dedicated to US Public Policy & National Defense, Science & Technology, International/Global Affairs.
[…] And when you look at projections for ever-rising spending (and therefore big increases in red ink) in America, it’s easy to see why I’m such a strong advocate of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] one option that would work is to reform entitlement programs. Hong Kong’s demographic outlook is even more challenging than Japan’s, yet it is in much […]
[…] one option that would work is to reform entitlement programs. Hong Kong’s demographic outlook is even more challenging than Japan’s, yet it is in much […]
[…] one option that would work is to reform entitlement programs. Hong Kong’s demographic outlook is even more challenging than Japan’s, yet it is in […]
[…] any controversy about the first proposition. We know the two Democratic candidates are opposed to genuine entitlement reform, so that means the burden of government spending automatically will climb in coming decades. And we […]
[…] any controversy about the first proposition. We know the two Democratic candidates are opposed to genuine entitlement reform, so that means the burden of government spending automatically will climb in coming decades. And we […]
[…] the simple reason that – in the real world – support for genuine spending restraint and real entitlement reform evaporates once politicians think higher revenues are an […]
[…] what about entitlement programs, which arguably represent the greatest long-term threat to America’s economy? Trump certainly […]
[…] they need to know about a topic. I’ve used that tactic when writing about tax loopholes, entitlements, fiscal policy, bureaucracy (twice), tax evasion, France, Greece, corporate inversions, and […]
[…] what about entitlement programs, which arguably represent the greatest long-term threat to America’s economy? Trump certainly […]
[…] There’s nothing a priori wrong with an aging population and a falling birthrate, of course, but those factors create a poisonous outlook when mixed with poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] There’s nothing a priori wrong with an aging population and a falling birthrate, of course, but those factors create a poisonous outlook when mixed with poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] why on earth would anyone want higher taxes to fund bigger government, particularly when we know sensible entitlement reforms could fix the nation’s long-run fiscal […]
[…] why on earth would anyone want higher taxes to fund bigger government, particularly when we know sensible entitlement reforms could fix the nation’s long-run fiscal […]
[…] that happens and we miss what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for genuine entitlement reform, I’ll be very unhappy and Holman Jenkins will have demonstrated that pessimism is a much […]
[…] a real opportunity for genuine entitlement reform in […]
[…] a real opportunity for genuine entitlement reform in […]
[…] a real opportunity for genuine entitlement reform in […]
[…] A or A+ if he makes the plan viable by proposing an equally detailed plan (presumably consisting of genuine entitlement reform and meaningful spending caps) to deal with the problem of excessive government […]
[…] A or A+ if he makes the plan viable by proposing an equally detailed plan (presumably consisting of genuine entitlement reform and meaningful spending caps) to deal with the problem of excessive government […]
[…] certainly didn’t get the things on my Christmas list, like genuine entitlement reform and fundamental tax […]
[…] Hopefully, though, we don’t need to engage in fiscal triage and we can reform all the big entitlement programs. […]
[…] But let’s recommit ourselves to fight harder for pro-growth policies such as tax reform and entitlement reform so their ascent up the ladder will be […]
[…] at least we know the right solutions. We need entitlement reform and tax reform in order to restore a genuine free market and solve the government-created […]
[…] Stay in that pattern long enough and you eventually become Greece (which is why I emphasized in the interview the need to reverse this trend with big systemic changes such as genuine entitlement reform). […]
[…] my speeches, I routinely argue that an aging population is one of the reasons why we need genuine entitlement reform. A modest-sized welfare state may be feasible if a country has a “population pyramid,” I […]
[…] It exacerbates America’s long-run challenge of excessive entitlement spending. […]
[…] In my speeches, I routinely argue that an aging population is one of the reasons why we need genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Something to keep in mind next time someone argues that we can stick our heads in the sand and not enact genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] genuine entitlement reform might be possible in a few years because lawmakers like Paul Ryan – as well as groups like […]
[…] not always. Fincher, for instance, has voted for budgets based on genuine entitlement reform. And in the grand scheme of things, reining in those programs is much more important to the […]
[…] if politicians balk at the modest requirements of the BCA, what hope is there that they’ll properly address entitlements? As Veronique notes, those are the programs that are driving America’s long-run fiscal […]
[…] Now here’s the part that should make honest leftists more open to entitlement reform. […]
[…] And if you want to feel even sadder, check out the projections showing that America will become Greece in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] ever wanted to know” hook on many occasions, dealing with diverse issues such as demographics, entitlements, fiscal policy, France, Greece, corporate inversions, supply-side economics, income inequality, […]
[…] wanted to know” hook on many occasions, dealing with diverse issues such as demographics, entitlements, fiscal policy, France, Greece, corporate inversions, supply-side economics, income inequality, the […]
[…] “The Donald” doesn’t think we need genuine entitlement reform, there are only a few possible […]
[…] first – and most obvious – reaction is that we better implement genuine entitlement reform if we want to avoid a big mess. And the sooner, the […]
[…] it caused me to worry because politicians will never impose meaningful spending restraint and reform entitlements if they think tax increases are […]
[…] CRFB’s view is largely correct. If we leave policy on autopilot, demographic changes and poorly structured entitlement programs will lead to an ever-rising burden of government spending, which almost surely will mean […]
[…] the program, as one of the three big entitlement programs, will turn American into Greece without substantial structural reform. But it’s not just a budgetary […]
[…] most pressing need is genuine entitlement reform, and there’s a non-trivial chance that may happen in 2017. So no need to abandon ship quite […]
[…] most pressing need is genuine entitlement reform, and there’s a non-trivial chance that may happen in 2017. So no need to abandon ship quite […]
[…] And for folks who follow fiscal policy, the fact that Medicare is now 50 years old is hardly a cause for celebration. That’s because the program, as one of the three big entitlement programs, will turn American into Greece without substantial structural reform. […]
[…] address the over-spending crisis? Or do we want to take prudent and modest steps today – such as genuine entitlement reform and spending caps – to ensure prosperity and long-run […]
[…] I sometimes urge people to be patient with Washington. Yes, we need fundamental tax reform and genuine entitlement reform, but there’s no way Congress can make those changes with Obama in the White […]
[…] I sometimes urge people to be patient with Washington. Yes, we need fundamental tax reform and genuine entitlement reform, but there’s no way Congress can make those changes with Obama in the White […]
[…] If we want to address the long-run spending crisis, we’ll need genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] If we want to address the long-run spending crisis, we’ll need genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] If we want to address the long-run spending crisis, we’ll need genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] we need to do is enact genuine entitlement reform and devolve all means-tested redistribution spending to the […]
[…] That’s certainly not a permanent victory, particularly since our long-run fiscal crisis will still be enormous in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] would require genuine entitlement reform and discipline in other parts of the budget, steps that would not be popular from the perspective […]
[…] would require genuine entitlement reform and discipline in other parts of the budget, steps that would not be popular from the perspective […]
[…] but keep in mind that demographic changes are a wild card. Simply stated, aging populations and poorly designed entitlement programs are a very unpalatable […]
[…] of government is projected to climb far more rapidly, largely because of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. So if we do nothing and leave government on auto-pilot, America will be saddled with a […]
[…] changes and ill-designed programs will combine to dramatically expand the size of the public sector over the next few decades. So […]
[…] changes and ill-designed programs will combine to dramatically expand the size of the public sector over the next few decades. So […]
[…] confess that my main point five years ago was to warn about the long-run consequences of poorly designed entitlement programs and unfavorable demographics (leading to the outcome illustrated by this set of […]
[…] Which is why, regardless of what happens with elections, I’m not overly optimistic about making progress. Unless, of course, we figure out some way of dealing the growing burden of federal spending. Which necessarily requires genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] specifically, demographic changes and ill-designed programs will combine to dramatically expand the size of the public sector over the next few […]
[…] never get good tax reform unless there’s genuine entitlement reform to restrain the growing burden of government […]
[…] I think there’s a genuine opportunity to save the country. …we can at least hold the line and prevent government from becoming bigger than it is today. Sort of a watered-down version of Mitchell’s Golden Rule. The key is the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] will call for a somewhat similar level of spending restraint. So that means the possibility of good entitlement reform will still […]
[…] it might subsidize the creation of future taxpayers to prop up entitlement programs. We need to reform those programs, not give them more […]
[…] it might subsidize the creation of future taxpayers to prop up entitlement programs. We need to reform those programs, not give them more […]
[…] it might subsidize the creation of future taxpayers to prop up entitlement programs. We need to reform those programs, not give them more […]
[…] Entitlement programs are a far bigger threat to America’s long-run fiscal stability the Ex-Im Bank, with Medicaid serving as a particularly sobering example. […]
[…] Entitlement programs are a far bigger threat to America’s long-run fiscal stability the Ex-Im Bank, with Medicaid serving as a particularly sobering example. […]
[…] But that won’t happen until 2017 at the earliest. And it’s possible it will never happen, particularly if we don’t implement genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] To save the nation from a future Greek-style fiscal meltdown, we should reform entitlements. […]
[…] To save the nation from a future Greek-style fiscal meltdown, we should reform entitlements. […]
[…] To save the nation from a future Greek-style fiscal meltdown, we should reform entitlements. […]
[…] Needless to say, I haven’t been doing a great job. The tax code seems to get worse every year, and even though we’ve made some progress in recent years on spending, the long-run outlook is still very grim because there’s hasn’t been genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] Needless to say, I haven’t been doing a great job. The tax code seems to get worse every year, and even though we’ve made some progress in recent years on spending, the long-run outlook is still very grim because there’s hasn’t been genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] needs genuine entitlement reform. But how likely is it that we’ll see the right kind of changes to programs such as Medicare […]
[…] The real key is whether we can maintain fiscal discipline. In the long run, there’s very little hope of spending restraint unless there’s genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] The real key is whether we can maintain fiscal discipline. In the long run, there’s very little hope of spending restraint unless there’s genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] but they should have focused on the underlying disease of too much spending (particularly the problem of entitlement programs) rather than highlighting the symptom of red […]
[…] but they should have focused on the underlying disease of too much spending (particularly the problem of entitlement programs) rather than highlighting the symptom of red […]
[…] there’s a possibility of more revenue coming to DC, any commitment to spending restraint and entitlement reform will quickly […]
[…] of the best things to happen in recent years is that House Republicans embraced genuine entitlement reform. For the past four years, they have approved budget resolutions that assumed well-designed […]
[…] Amen. Though I should hasten to add that while gridlock has been helpful in the short run (stopping Obama from achieving his dream of becoming a second FDR), at some point we will need unified government in order to adopt much-needed tax reform and entitlement reform. […]
[…] Amen. Though I should hasten to add that while gridlock has been helpful in the short run (stopping Obama from achieving his dream of becoming a second FDR), at some point we will need unified government in order to adopt much-needed tax reform and entitlement reform. […]
[…] Next we have a contribution from Glenn McCoy that I find very appealing because it focuses on the ticking time bomb of poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] would have to enact a law to repeal Obamacare. Laws also would need to be changed to reform entitlements, or adopt a flat tax. And some laws are benign, such as the enactment of Dairy Goat Awareness Week […]
[…] it’s really an entitlement problem, which is why I would have given the zombies names like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social […]
[…] it’s true that America’s main fiscal problem is entitlement spending. And, yes, domestic discretionary spending is a bigger problem than the defense […]
[…] to prop up entitlement programs. I agree with Stein that these programs are a problem, but the solution is to reform entitlements, not to rejigger the tax code in hopes of pumping out more […]
[…] all the controversy over the failed and costly Obamacare program, it’s understandable that other entitlements aren’t getting much […]
[…] but not least, I express some optimism about the possibility of genuine entitlement reform, though I should have acknowledged that nothing good will happen while Obama is in […]
[…] I made the argument for entitlement reform, specifically the “pre-funding” version of Social Security reform that’s been adopted in […]
[…] I also warned that the federal government faces the same challenge. Washington is in trouble mostly because of poorly designed entitlement programs rather than excessive compensation for a bloated bureaucracy, but the end result is the same. Or, to be more accurate, the end result will be the same in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] To be sure, that doesn’t mean we’re seeing good policies of tax reform and fiscal restraint. And we still face a very dour fiscal future unless entitlements are reformed. […]
[…] politicians have made commitments to spend far too much money in the future, largely because of poorly designed entitlement programs. And it is these built-in promises to spend money that give America a very grim fiscal future, as […]
[…] I spoke yesterday to the Memphis Economics Club about America’s looming fiscal crisis, and I did my usual song-and-dance routine about potential Greek-style chaos in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I spoke yesterday to the Memphis Economics Club about America’s looming fiscal crisis, and I did my usual song-and-dance routine about potential Greek-style chaos in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] the right way to deal with that problem is with genuine entitlement reform, not another bound-to-fail government-run version of […]
[…] the right way to deal with that problem is with genuine entitlement reform, not another bound-to-fail government-run version of […]
[…] the United Kingdom, the United States, Greece, or France. Politicians always have the option of reforming entitlements and restraining the burden of government spending. So long as they follow Mitchell’s Golden […]
[…] true, but since they oppose genuine entitlement reform, I’m not sure that point they’re trying to […]
[…] the country, but it will become increasingly difficult to make the necessary changes – such as entitlement reform and welfare decentralization – as we get closer to 2020 and […]
[…] country, but it will become increasingly difficult to make the necessary changes – such as entitlement reform and welfare decentralization – as we get closer to 2020 and […]
[…] we don’t implement the right kind of entitlement reform, our children and grandchildren at some point will curse our […]
[…] it’s true that America’s main fiscal problem is entitlement spending. And, yes, domestic discretionary spending is a bigger problem than the defense […]
[…] people know that a gratification state is essentially unsustainable. And, presumption there’s not genuine desert reform, many of these mercantile estimates uncover that a United States has a unequivocally hazardous […]
[…] assuming there’s not genuine entitlement reform, many of these fiscal estimates show that the United States has a very perilous […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] La moraleja de la historia es que los Estados Unidos y otras naciones deberían restringir los presupuestos, a ser posible mediante la promulgación de la clase correcta de reforma de los derechos sociales. […]
[…] If the politicians had all that extra money and the budget was balanced, would that mean we could – or should – forget about entitlement reform? […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America and other nations should be restraining budgets, ideally by enacting the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America and other nations should be restraining budgets, ideally by enacting the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] The moral of the story is that America and other nations should be restraining budgets, ideally by enacting the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] the projections show that the federal government will get far bigger in the future. So before we shrink the burden of government, we first need to come up with ways to keep it from […]
[…] one step farther and shows the lifeboat sinking. That’s basically what will happen if we don’t adopt the entitlement reforms that are needed to rein in the welfare […]
[…] desperately needs genuine entitlement reform to avoid a Greek-style fiscal […]
[…] desperately needs genuine entitlement reform to avoid a Greek-style fiscal […]
[…] changes in 2014 and 2016, and those political changes may then lead to big policy changes such as entitlement reform and tax […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] let’s not delude ourselves. In the absence of real entitlement reform, the United States is doomed to repeat Europe’s […]
[…] are solutions, of course, but don’t hold your breath waiting for them to be […]
[…] Don’t forget the other two big entitlements that need reform, Social Security and Medicare. Like Medicaid, Medicare has major challenges with fraud. From what I […]
[…] turkey of a deal rather than fighting for the sequester. Heck, this was the guy who put together very good entitlement reforms, yet now he’s helping Obama escape the […]
[…] turkey of a deal rather than fighting for the sequester. Heck, this was the guy who put together very good entitlement reforms, yet now he’s helping Obama escape the […]
[…] the supposed cuts wouldn’t include any genuine entitlement reform. And there would be back-door tax […]
[…] the supposed cuts wouldn’t include any genuine entitlement reform. And there would be back-door tax […]
[…] P.S. Lawmakers did repeal one of Obamacare’s tax provisions, a 1099 reporting rule that would have buried everyone under a blizzard of paperwork (here’s the cartoon version of that issue). And the Democratic-controlled Senate recently voted 79-20 to repeal the medical devices tax. So there are small reasons for optimism. And I think the bulk of Obamacare spending could be repealed as part of a Medicaid block grant if and when Washington is controlled by lawmakers who are serious about addressing the entitlement crisis. […]
[…] statement scares the heck out of me. We desperately need the right kind of entitlement reform to save America from becoming another doomed welfare state. But what are the odds of getting good […]
[…] being said, we’ll never fix a corrupt tax code or reform bankrupt entitlement programs unless there are new laws to replace old laws that created bad […]
[…] other words, entitlements need to be reformed and discretionary spending needs to be reduced. Solve these underlying problems and you fix the […]
[…] radically expanded, and that hole will become much deeper in almost all nations in the absence of genuine entitlement reform and effective caps on so-called discretionary […]
[…] an ideal world, policy makers would focus first on desperately needed entitlement reform. And I suspect many members of the Appropriations and Defense Committees would grumble a lot less […]
[…] radically expanded, and that hole will become much deeper in almost all nations in the absence of genuine entitlement reform and effective caps on so-called discretionary […]
[…] are real change in the plan, but they’re the wrong kind of changes. Instead of the structural reforms to Medicare and Medicaid contained in the Ryan budget, the Simpson-Bowles report basically calls […]
[…] radically expanded, and that hole will become much deeper in almost all nations in the absence of genuine entitlement reform and effective caps on so-called discretionary […]
[…] today. The burden of government spending has exploded and will get even worse if we don’t enact serious entitlement reform. But too many people now can’t envision a world other than the status quo and they are fearful of […]
[…] with America’s real fiscal challenge, that means modest spending restraint in the short run and genuine entitlement reform in the long […]
[…] America’s real fiscal challenge, that means modest spending restraint in the short run and genuine entitlement reform in the long […]
[…] Obamacare again, or some specific feature of that boondoggle law. Maybe they’ll push for overall entitlement reform. Or maybe they’ll go with my top choice, which is some sort of spending cap akin to the Swiss […]
[…] my libertarian fantasy world, I have a list of priorities. I start with big things like entitlement reform and flat […]
[…] my libertarian fantasy world, I have a list of priorities. I start with big things like entitlement reform and flat […]
[…] my libertarian fantasy world, I have a list of priorities. I start with big things like entitlement reform and flat […]
[…] states, “There are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] The solution, of course, is entitlement reform. […]
[…] as the decades have passed, the Leviathan state in Washington has grown. And in the absence of genuine entitlement reform, it’s just a matter of time before the United States morphs into a bankrupt European-style […]
[…] as the decades have passed, the Leviathan state in Washington has grown. And in the absence of genuine entitlement reform, it’s just a matter of time before the United States morphs into a bankrupt European-style […]
[…] both are bad, but is it worse to bail out a bankrupt entitlement program, such as Social Security, or it is worse to bail out an industry, such as the financial […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] This is why welfare reform during the Clinton years was such a good idea. And it’s why block-granting Medicaid is so desirable (above and beyond the fiscal need to implement good entitlement reform). […]
[…] of the challenges of good entitlement reform (or even bad entitlement reform) is that recipients think they’ve “earned” […]
[…] the over-spending crisis? Or do we want to take prudent and modest steps today – such as genuine entitlement reform and spending caps – to ensure prosperity and long-run […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] Using fiscal policy as an example, how do you get these people to do the right thing? They may understand – at least conceptually – that the United States faces a huge long-run fiscal nightmare because of an ever-growing burden of government spending. They may even vote for the Ryan budget, which theoretically commits them to supporting meaningful entitlement reform. […]
[…] let’s not delude ourselves. In the absence of real entitlement reform, the United States is doomed to repeat Europe’s […]
[…] Most Western nations have huge long-run fiscal problems because of unfavorable demographics and misguided entitlement programs. […]
[…] I’m very worried about America’s fiscal future. Simply stated, data from several sources (BIS, OECD, and IMF) indicates that we face a future Greek-style fiscal crisis unless policy makers implement genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] yes, though it’s not a perfect analogy. The federal government is in deep trouble because of unsustainable entitlement programs while Detroit got in trouble because of a combination of too much compensation for bureaucrats and […]
[…] if we eventually get a new crop of policymakers who are willing to enact genuine entitlement reform, the United States may avoid the future Greek-style fiscal crisis that is predicted by the BIS, […]
[…] if we eventually get a new crop of policymakers who are willing to enact genuine entitlement reform, the United States may avoid the future Greek-style fiscal crisis that is predicted by the BIS, […]
[…] forget that the Medicare portion of the payroll tax could and should be part of a broader agenda of entitlement reform. But that’s also less likely if the payroll tax is folded into the income […]
[…] This is why welfare reform during the Clinton years was such a good idea. And it’s why block-granting Medicaid is so desirable (above and beyond the fiscal need to implement good entitlement reform). […]
[…] P.P.S. Americans shouldn’t feel cocky or superior. Long-run projections from the BIS, OECD, and IMF all show that the United States will be in deep trouble if we don’t engage in genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] though, that there’s a huge difference between genuine entitlement reform and gimmicks such as price controls and means-testing that merely translate into a year or two of […]
[…] though, that there’s a huge difference between genuine entitlement reform and gimmicks such as price controls and means-testing that merely translate into a year or two of […]
[…] key is the right kind of entitlement reform. Our long-run fiscal nightmare is entirely the result of programs such as Social Security, […]
[…] I also warned that the federal government faces the same challenge. Washington is in trouble mostly because of poorly designed entitlement programs rather than excessive compensation for a bloated bureaucracy, but the end result is the same. Or, to be more accurate, the end result will be the same in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] I also warned that the federal government faces the same challenge. Washington is in trouble mostly because of poorly designed entitlement programs rather than excessive compensation for a bloated bureaucracy, but the end result is the same. Or, to be more accurate, the end result will be the same in the absence of genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] I made the argument for entitlement reform, specifically the “pre-funding” version of Social Security reform that’s been adopted in […]
[…] I made the argument for entitlement reform, specifically the “pre-funding” version of Social Security reform that’s been […]
Lets see now, most of us pay into Social Security for about 45 years and employers match what we pay in. Government pays nothing in “not a dime” but runs the SS program. Many die before they retire so the money is left for others. So why is this considered an entitlement?
[…] lawmakers want to avert widespread Greek-style fiscal chaos and economic suffering, this suggests genuine entitlement reform and other steps to control the growth of the public […]
[…] But let’s not delude ourselves. This deal is not good for the economy. It doesn’t do anything to cap the burden of government spending. It doesn’t reform entitlement programs. […]
[…] long-run fiscal problem is entitlement spending. Will politicians be more likely or less likely to reform those programs if they think tax increases are an […]
[…] Indeed, I fear permanently lower growth is the legacy of the Bush-Obama years. We now have a substantially bigger burden of government spending, and things will get worse rather than better in the absence of real entitlement reform. […]
[…] moral of the story: Entitlement reform is good policy…and good […]
[…] true, but since they oppose genuine entitlement reform, I’m not sure that point they’re trying to […]
[…] true, but since they oppose genuine entitlement reform, I’m not sure that point they’re trying to […]
[…] today. The burden of government spending has exploded and will get even worse if we don’t enact serious entitlement reform. But too many people now can’t envision a world other than the status quo and they are fearful of […]
[…] the United States has a terrible long-run fiscal outlook. Assuming we don’t implement genuine entitlement reform, the only countries in worse shape are the United Kingdom and […]
[…] All it does is restrain spending so that it grows by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years rather than $2.5 trillion. We need a much greater degree of fiscal discipline to address the long-term spending crisis – including some real entitlement reform. […]
[…] today. The burden of government spending has exploded and will get even worse if we don’t enact serious entitlement reform. But too many people now can’t envision a world other than the status quo and they are fearful of […]
[…] moral of the story is that we need the right kind of entitlement reform, but that won’t be possible until at least […]
[…] not optimistic about the long-term fiscal outlook for the United States. In the absence of genuine entitlement reform, we’ll sooner or later have our own fiscal […]
[…] the absence of entitlement reform, the burden of federal spending will double, measured as a share of GDP, and the overall burden of […]
[…] guy who adopted Obamacare on the state level ultimately would have botched this issue. This means good reforms are still possible, perhaps in as little as four […]
[…] Obama wants us to move in the wrong direction at an even faster pace. And he definitely opposes the types of entitlement reforms that could save the […]
[…] long-run fiscal problem is entitlement spending. Will politicians be more likely or less likely to reform those programs if they think tax increases are an […]
[…] let’s not delude ourselves. In the absence of real entitlement reform, the United States is doomed to repeat Europe’s […]
[…] moral of the story: Entitlement reform is good policy…and good […]
[…] means entitlement reform, particularly if we want to control the size of government. But if we want to deal with the scope […]
[…] to prop up entitlement programs. I agree with Stein that these programs are a problem, but the solution is to reform entitlements, not to rejigger the tax code in hopes of pumping out more […]
[…] to prop up entitlement programs. I agree with Stein that these programs are a problem, but the solution is to reform entitlements, not to rejigger the tax code in hopes of pumping out more […]
[…] but not least, I express some optimism about the possibility of genuine entitlement reform, though I should have acknowledged that nothing good will happen while Obama is in […]
[…] but not least, I express some optimism about the possibility of genuine entitlement reform, though I should have acknowledged that nothing good will happen while Obama is in […]
[…] Which is why we desperately need the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] fun of Obama for his deliberate ignorance about the budget. Honest leftists admit that we need real entitlement reform, but Obama wants us to believe that the nation’s fiscal problems can be solved by targeting the […]
[…] are real change in the plan, but they’re the wrong kind of changes. Instead of the structural reforms to Medicare and Medicaid contained in the Ryan budget, the Simpson-Bowles report basically calls […]
[…] I’ve warned about dependency and raised the alarm that we risk becoming another Greece unless entitlements are reformed, one might think I agree with the former Massachusetts […]
[…] But if that’s true, why bother producing and subjecting yourself to stress when your reward is punitive tax rates? Why not participate in the easy side of the “entitlement culture” and simply take other people’s money? […]
[…] this isn’t an excuse to do nothing. It just means we have to reform entitlements and also trim back the excessive compensation for the bureaucracy. This video […]
[…] it’s true that America’s main fiscal problem is entitlement spending. And, yes, domestic discretionary spending is a bigger problem than the defense […]
[…] it’s true that America’s main fiscal problem is entitlement spending. And, yes, domestic discretionary spending is a bigger problem than the defense […]
[…] other words, entitlements need to be reformed and discretionary spending needs to be reduced. Solve these underlying problems and you fix the […]
[…] other words, entitlements need to be reformed and discretionary spending needs to be reduced. Solve these underlying problems and you fix the […]
[…] are solutions, of course, but don’t hold your breath waiting for them to be […]
[…] they responded to earlier criticisms? Have they made a more serious effort to restrain spending? To genuinely reform entitlements? To shut down useless agencies, programs, and […]
[…] good news, for what it’s worth, is that the House of Representatives voted for good entitlement reform in 2011 and 2012. So it’s theoretically possible that we may deal with that meteor before it […]
[…] also should have added another big challenge. In the absence of good entitlement reform, the burden of government spending will dramatically increase in coming decades and create pressure […]
[…] also should have added another big challenge. In the absence of good entitlement reform, the burden of government spending will dramatically increase in coming decades and create pressure […]
[…] we don’t implement the right kind of entitlement reform, our children and grandchildren at some point will curse our […]
[…] we don’t implement the right kind of entitlement reform, our children and grandchildren at some point will curse our […]
[…] one step farther and shows the lifeboat sinking. That’s basically what will happen if we don’t adopt the entitlement reforms that are needed to rein in the welfare […]
[…] farther and shows the lifeboat sinking. That’s basically what will happen if we don’t adopt the entitlement reforms that are needed to rein in the welfare […]
[…] more significant that Greece is dealing with today. Assuming these nations don’t implement desperately needed entitlement reform, the you-know-what is going to hit the fan at some point. Folks with funds in a tax haven will be […]
[…] going to have gridlock for the foreseeable future. The House has passed a decent budget with some modest entitlement reform, but there’s no way that the Senate will accept that […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] I fear that my concerns will be validated next Wednesday and we’ll see another budget that has no real entitlement reform and more class-warfare tax […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] willing to accept incremental reforms. Compared to my libertarian dream world, for instance, the entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget are very modest. But they may be the most we can achieve in the short run, so I […]
[…] I’m a fan of entitlement reform, here’s the one I’m […]
[…] I hold out hope that we’ll be able to reform entitlements and take other steps to reduce the size and scope of government. And if that means total government […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] we shouldn’t laugh at this cartoon. As we saw with both Medicaid and Medicare, entitlement programs routinely cost far more than original […]
[…] P.S. Lawmakers did repeal one of Obamacare’s tax provisions, a 1099 reporting rule that would have buried everyone under a blizzard of paperwork (here’s the cartoon version of that issue). And the Democratic-controlled Senate recently voted 79-20 to repeal the medical devices tax. So there are small reasons for optimism. And I think the bulk of Obamacare spending could be repealed as part of a Medicaid block grant if and when Washington is controlled by lawmakers who are serious about addressing the entitlement crisis. […]
[…] P.S. Lawmakers did repeal one of Obamacare’s tax provisions, a 1099 reporting rule that would have buried everyone under a blizzard of paperwork (here’s the cartoon version of that issue). And the Democratic-controlled Senate recently voted 79-20 to repeal the medical devices tax. So there are small reasons for optimism. And I think the bulk of Obamacare spending could be repealed as part of a Medicaid block grant if and when Washington is controlled by lawmakers who are serious about addressing the entitlement crisis. […]
[…] To be sure, that doesn’t mean we’re seeing good policies of tax reform and fiscal restraint. And we still face a very dour fiscal future unless entitlements are reformed. […]
[…] To be sure, that doesn’t mean we’re seeing good policies of tax reform and fiscal restraint. And we still face a very dour fiscal future unless entitlements are reformed. […]
[…] it’s really an entitlement problem, which is why I would have given the zombies names like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social […]
[…] it’s really an entitlement problem, which is why I would have given the zombies names like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social […]
[…] of helps to explain why entitlement reform is completely necessary if we want to keep America from a Greek-style fiscal collapse at some point […]
[…] But let’s not delude ourselves. This deal is not good for the economy. It doesn’t do anything to cap the burden of government spending. It doesn’t reform entitlement programs. […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] also good news that the Ryan Budget calls for structural reform of entitlement programs, including Medicaid block grants and Medicare premium support. The budget also assumes the repeal […]
[…] But what Obama conveniently overlooks is that spending on so-called public goods is only about 10 percent of the federal budget. The vast majority of government spending is for unambiguously harmful outlays on transfers, consumption, and entitlements. […]
[…] though, since politicians have to pass a number of tests (unwavering opposition to tax hikes, support for entitlement reform, etc) before receiving the Dan Mitchell Seal of Approval. I guess this is why 99 percent of them […]
[…] payer problem). The good news is that we can easily solve the problem with a combination of entitlement reform (which deals with a direct cause of third-party payer) and tax reform (which deals with an indirect […]
[…] can fulfill his promise the reduce the burden of government spending by implementing Paul Ryan’s entitlement reforms. But don’t hold your breath waiting for that to […]
[…] good news, for what it’s worth, is that the House of Representatives voted for good entitlement reform in 2011 and 2012. So it’s theoretically possible that we may deal with that meteor before it […]
[…] are solutions, of course, but don’t hold your breath waiting for them to be […]
[…] I think entitlement reform can make things better, though fixing Medicare and Medicaid should be seen as a necessary but not […]
[…] be sure, it’s possible to reverse this trend if we implement entitlement reform. But how likely is that given the short-sighted outlook and self-interested attitude of the […]
[…] good news, for what it’s worth, is that the House of Representatives voted for good entitlement reform in 2011 and 2012. So it’s theoretically possible that we may deal with that meteor before it […]
[…] All it does is restrain spending so that it grows by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years rather than $2.5 trillion. We need a much greater degree of fiscal discipline to address the long-term spending crisis – including some real entitlement reform. […]
[…] based on the views of the president he’ll be serving), it’s virtually impossible to envision good entitlement reform, pro-growth tax reform, or any changes to fiscal policy that would lessen the likelihood of future […]
[…] on the views of the president he’ll be serving), it’s virtually impossible to envision good entitlement reform, pro-growth tax reform, or any changes to fiscal policy that would lessen the likelihood of future […]
[…] on the views of the President he’ll be serving), it’s virtually impossible to envision good entitlement reform, pro-growth tax reform, and any changes to lessen the likelihood of future Greek-style fiscal […]
[…] since I have low expectations, I’ll be delighted if we “merely” manage to get entitlement reform during a Romney-Ryan Administration. That would mean some progress on the spending side and […]
[…] in a parallel universe where politicians are motivated by liberty, we can even get entitlement reform and a flat […]
[…] in a parallel universe where politicians are motivated by liberty, we can even get entitlement reform and a flat […]
[…] The solution, of course, is entitlement reform. […]
[…] lawmakers want to reform entitlements to avert America’s long-run fiscal crisis. That can’t happen without giving Obama and […]
[…] I do warn that permanent gridlock is not a good idea. We need genuine entitlement reform at some point in the not-so-distant future if we want to avoid becoming another […]
[…] bad news is that we won’t take necessary steps to reform entitlements, but the good news is that we won’t make things worse with the kind of statist policies […]
[…] mandatory spending accounts for a majority of federal spending, but it is largely exempt, so entitlement reform will still be necessary if we want to address the nation’s long-run fiscal […]
[…] mandatory spending accounts for a majority of federal spending, but it is largely exempt, so entitlement reform will still be necessary if we want to address the nation’s long-run fiscal […]
[…] I’d be happy if we made progress on any type of entitlement reform, so I don’t think there are right or wrong answers to this kind of […]
[…] The solution, of course, is entitlement reform. […]
[…] both are bad, but is it worse to bail out a bankrupt entitlement program, such as Social Security, or it is worse to bail out an industry, such as the financial […]
[…] obviously want comprehensive reform of all entitlement programs, so selecting just one is a bit of a challenge. Sort of like being asked to pick your favorite […]
[…] payer problem). The good news is that we can easily solve the problem with a combination of entitlement reform (which deals with a direct cause of third-party payer) and tax reform (which deals with an indirect […]
[…] Here’s a riddle for policy wonks. What do you get if you take my videos on the economics of government spending and mix them in a blender with my videos on America’s entitlement crisis? […]
[…] P.S. Oh, by the way, if anybody’s actually interested in how to solve the spending problem (you know, the one that doesn’t exist), we do know the answer. […]
[…] both are bad, but is it worse to bail out a bankrupt entitlement program, such as Social Security, or it is worse to bail out an industry, such as the financial […]
[…] both are bad, but is it worse to bail out a bankrupt entitlement program, such as Social Security, or it is worse to bail out an industry, such as the financial […]
[…] both are bad, but is it worse to bail out a bankrupt entitlement program, such as Social Security, or it is worse to bail out an industry, such as the financial […]
[…] guy who adopted Obamacare on the state level ultimately would have botched this issue. This means good reforms are still possible, perhaps in as little as four […]
[…] Entitlement reform must be part of the answer. […]
[…] forget that the Medicare portion of the payroll tax could and should be part of a broader agenda of entitlement reform. But that’s also less likely if the payroll tax is folded into the income […]
[…] key is the right kind of entitlement reform. Our long-run fiscal nightmare is entirely the result of programs such as Social Security, […]
The biggest problems that deplets the SS fund and Medicare funds are as follows:
1. Very high unemployment due to the bad economy-few peole in the payroll contribute to the system, but many are taking.. The unemployment rate is not properly calculated; supposed to be much higher.
2. SS funds are being co-mingled with the general funds for ongoing fiscal expenditures.
3. The new healthcare law will further erode the Medicare funds.
4. The Medicaid in the new healthcare law will deplete further the Medicare funds, due to the increase of Medicaid recipients.
5. Rise in numbers of retired claimants for SS and Medicare due to baby bombers.
6. Medicare funds are in the hands of labor union employees who are inefficient, and lost so several million of dollar due to errors in refunds.
7. Several Millions of SS funds have been sent improperly to non-qualified people like convicts and illegal aliens.
8. In order to solve these problems, there must be independent fiscal audits and remove those non-performing dumb labor employees.
9, Another solution is improve the economy so that more people are working to contribute to the system.
10. Raise the retirement age because people are getting older, and healthier.
[…] Our number one fiscal problem is an excessive burden of government spending. A big part of the solution is entitlement reform. […]
[…] P.S. If we want to slay the monster in today’s cartoon, we need to copy the very successful Swiss Debt Brake and restrain the growth of government spending. And to make sure we abide by that cap, we’ll need some sensible entitlement reform. […]
[…] or later will spread to the supposedly prudent nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. And, thanks to entitlement programs, the United States isn’t that far […]
[…] though, since politicians have to pass a number of tests (unwavering opposition to tax hikes, support for entitlement reform, etc) before receiving the Dan Mitchell Seal of Approval. I guess this is why 99 percent of them […]
[…] But what Obama conveniently overlooks is that spending on so-called public goods is only about 10 percent of the federal budget. The vast majority of government spending is for unambiguously harmful outlays on transfers, consumption, and entitlements. […]
[…] Our number one fiscal problem is an excessive burden of government spending. A big part of the solution is entitlement reform. […]
[…] forget that the Medicare portion of the payroll tax could and should be part of a broader agenda of entitlement reform. But that’s also less likely if the payroll tax is folded into the income […]
[…] But let’s not delude ourselves. This deal is not good for the economy. It doesn’t do anything to cap the burden of government spending. It doesn’t reform entitlement programs. […]
[…] But let’s not delude ourselves. This deal is not good for the economy. It doesn’t do anything to cap the burden of government spending. It doesn’t reform entitlement programs. […]
[…] true. If anyone thinks we’ll get something good out of this, such as entitlement reform, get in touch with me because I have some great oceanfront property in Kansas that I’m […]
[…] Though it’s very dark humor for someone like me who believes in self reliance and favors entitlement reform. […]
[…] them, even if only because of dark humor – i.e., in a we’re-doomed-if-we-don’t-reform-entitlements-so-we-may-as-well-laugh kind of […]
[…] or later will spread to the supposedly prudent nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. And, thanks to entitlement programs, the United States isn’t that far […]
[…] But politicians don’t like spending caps for the same reasons that burglars don’t like armed homeowners. As Veronique de Rugy notes, if we imposed a spending cap, they would be forced to reform entitlements. […]
[…] in the right direction. A modest bit of fiscal restraint can solve the short-run challenge and some well-crafted entitlement reform can avert the long-run […]
[…] the absence of entitlement reform, the burden of federal spending will double, measured as a share of GDP, and the overall burden of […]
[…] I’ve written several times that the United States will face a fiscal crisis if entitlement programs aren’t reformed, you won’t be surprised to see that I repeat those points in this CNBC […]
[…] you’re doing a good job when your enemies are attacking you. Michael’s also done great work on entitlement reform, and you’ll recognize his mug if you watch my videos on Medicare and Medicaid […]
[…] doing a good job when your enemies are attacking you. Michael’s also done great work on entitlement reform, and you’ll recognize his mug if you watch my videos on Medicare and Medicaid […]
[…] Yes, I realize it is theoretically possible that a tax hike could be part of a political deal that produces a good outcome, such as entitlement reform. […]
[…] Obama wants us to move in the wrong direction at an even faster pace. And he definitely opposes the types of entitlement reforms that could save the […]
[…] the absence of entitlement reform, the burden of federal spending will double, measured as a share of GDP, and the overall burden of […]
[…] the absence of entitlement reform, the burden of federal spending will double, measured as a share of GDP, and the overall burden of […]
[…] that simply requires somemodest spending restraint to address the short run problem and someintelligently designed entitlement reform to solve the long run […]
[…] Let’s take a break from depressing posts about Obama’s fixation on class-warfare tax policy and the failure of Washington to enact genuine entitlement reform. […]
[…] let’s not delude ourselves. In the absence of real entitlement reform, the United States is doomed to repeat Europe’s […]
[…] that simply requires some modest spending restraint to address the short run problem and some intelligently designed entitlement reform to solve the long run […]
[…] In the long run, though, the left will want even more taxes to enable the demography-drive expansion of the welfare state. Higher revenues, in other words, are a substitute for real entitlement reform. […]
[…] 2. I now think Washington is pervasively corrupt. When I first came to town, I figured there was a lot of sleaze and graft facilitated by big government. Nothing has changed about that assessment, but I now think that a bigger problem is moral and cultural corruption among the political elite. Washington is filled with people who know the system is a racket. They know that the country is on a very dangerous trajectory. Many of them even understand what needs to be done to fix the problems. But they often decide that their short-run personal and political interests are more important than the long-run interests of the nation. But it’s also important to realize that politicians almost always are a combination of good and evil. The same folks who routinely cast bad votes every so often can be persuaded to do the right thing for the right reason, as occurred when GOPers in the House voted for the Ryan budget and its desperately needed entitlement reforms. […]
[…] let’s not delude ourselves. In the absence of real entitlement reform, the United States is doomed to repeat Europe’s […]
[…] réside dans les dépenses sociales. Les politiciens doivent-ils être plus ou moins enclins à renforcer ces programmes s'ils pensent que les augmentations d'impôts sont une option […]
[…] by contrast, is fixated on a class-warfare approach to fiscal policy. And the Task Force proposes real entitlement reform, unlike either the Obama White House or the Simpson-Bowles Fiscal Commission. One way of […]
[…] Obama wants us to move in the wrong direction at an even faster pace. And he definitely opposes the types of entitlement reforms that could save the […]
[…] fun of Obama for his deliberate ignorance about the budget. Honest leftists admit that we need real entitlement reform, but Obama wants us to believe that the nation’s fiscal problems can be solved by targeting […]
[…] long-run fiscal problem is entitlement spending. Will politicians be more likely or less likely to reform those programs if they think tax increases are an […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] I fear permanently lower growth is the legacy of the Bush-Obama years. We now have a substantially bigger burden of government spending, and things will get worse rather than better in the absence of real entitlement reform… […]
[…] in mind, by the way, that these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Without real entitlement reform, federal spending as a share of GDP will double and total government outlays will rise to at least […]
[…] Indeed, I fear permanently lower growth is the legacy of the Bush-Obama years. We now have a substantially bigger burden of government spending, and things will get worse rather than better in the absence of real entitlement reform. […]
[…] The burden of government spending has exploded and will get even worse if we don’t enact serious entitlement reform. But too many people now can’t envision a world other than the status quo and they are […]
[…] moral of the story: Entitlement reform is good policy…and good […]
[…] I even outlined several specific scenarios where that might occur, including giving the politicians more money in exchange for a flat tax or giving them additional revenue in exchange for real entitlement reform. […]
[…] put together a video series on the need for entitlement reform and another one on the economics of government […]
[…] put together a video series on the need for entitlement reform and another one on the economics of government […]
[…] job, Congress would have to enact a law to repeal Obamacare. Laws also would need to be changed to reform entitlements, or adopt a flat […]
[…] guy who adopted Obamacare on the state level ultimately would have botched this issue. This means good reforms are still possible, perhaps in as little as four […]
[…] – figuring out how to control the burden of government spending, how to implement much-needed entitlement reform, and how to fix the corrupt tax […]
[…] I’ve warned about dependency and raised the alarm that we risk becoming another Greece unless entitlements are reformed, one might think I agree with the former Massachusetts […]
[…] of helps to explain why entitlement reform is completely necessary if we want to keep America from a Greek-style fiscal collapse at some point […]
[…] This is important because the Bowles-Simpson plan is a bad place to start, largely because it dramatically increases the double-tax burden on income that is saved and invested and it fails to include real entitlement reform. […]
[…] I’ve repeatedly expressed my concerns that Romney would be another Bush, expanding the burden of government spending and failing to engage in desperately needed entitlement reform. […]
[…] time for a caveat. if the election somehow results in genuine entitlement reform, I will gladly advise this couple to […]
[…] he is rigidly opposed to the entitlement reforms that would save America from becoming another […]
[…] Here’s the full three-part video series on entitlement reform. Rate this:Share this:PrintEmailFacebookTwitterMoredeliciousDiggFarkLinkedInRedditStumbleUponLike […]
[…] As I’ve previously explained, this would be a terrible idea. It means a big tax hike with, particularly an increase in the double taxation of income that is saved and invested. It also relies on gimmicks rather than real entitlement reform. […]
[…] And I wasn’t too optimistic about Romney, either, though he’s tentatively open to entitlement reform. […]
[…] good numbers are why I think it’s actually possible to implement entitlement reform. People see what’s happening in Europe and don’t want America to suffer a similar fate. […]
[…] desperately need fiscal reforms, particularly to deal with poorly designed entitlement programs. But it’s much easier to adopt necessary reforms when a nation has a spirit of self reliance […]
[…] about whether Americans should escape to Canada, Australia, Chile, or some other nation when the entitlement crisis causes a Greek-style fiscal […]
[…] The more relevant question is why he thinks federal spending is associated with good results. There’s certainly no positive evidence from Obama’s stimulus. We also know the War on Poverty backfired. And entitlements are a ticking time bomb in the absence of reform. […]
[…] United States. Yes, we can fix our fiscal problems if we cap the growth of spending and implement entitlement reform to address the long-run problem, but I’m not holding my breath expecting those […]
[…] desperately need fiscal reforms, particularly to deal with poorly designed entitlement programs. But it’s much easier to adopt necessary reforms when a nation has a spirit of self reliance […]
[…] United States. Yes, we can fix our fiscal problems if we cap the growth of spending and implement entitlement reform to address the long-run problem, but I’m not holding my breath expecting those […]
[…] are real change in the plan, but they’re the wrong kind of changes. Instead of the structural reforms to Medicare and Medicaid contained in the Ryan budget, the Simpson-Bowles report basically calls […]
[…] are real change in the plan, but they’re the wrong kind of changes. Instead of the structural reforms to Medicare and Medicaid contained in the Ryan budget, the Simpson-Bowles report basically calls […]
[…] I’ve warned about dependency and raised the alarm that we risk becoming another Greece unless entitlements are reformed, one might think I agree with the former Massachusetts […]
[…] can fulfill his promise the reduce the burden of government spending by implementing Paul Ryan’s entitlement reforms. But don’t hold your breath waiting for that to […]
[…] be sure, it’s possible to reverse this trend if we implement entitlement reform. But how likely is that given the short-sighted outlook and self-interested attitude of the […]
[…] I think America faces a very grim fiscal future in the absence of entitlement reform, and since I also blame Bush as much as I blame Obama, I can’t quibble with anything he […]
[…] though, since politicians have to pass a number of tests (unwavering opposition to tax hikes, support for entitlement reform, etc) before receiving the Dan Mitchell Seal of Approval. I guess this is why 99 percent of them […]
[…] though, since politicians have to pass a number of tests (unwavering opposition to tax hikes, support for entitlement reform, etc) before receiving the Dan Mitchell Seal of Approval. I guess this is why 99 percent of them […]
[…] demagoguery on Social Security and Medicare will hurt in Florida, even though the GOP platform on entitlement reform is that people over age 55 are […]
[…] P.S. America will be in the same boat at some point in the future if we don’t reform entitlements. […]
[…] demagoguery on Social Security and Medicare will hurt in Florida, even though the GOP platform on entitlement reform is that people over age 55 are […]
[…] be sure, it’s possible to reverse this trend if we implement entitlement reform. But how likely is that given the short-sighted outlook and self-interested attitude of the […]
[…] of helps to explain why entitlement reform is completely necessary if we want to keep America from a Greek-style fiscal collapse at some point […]
[…] since I have low expectations, I’ll be delighted if we “merely” manage to get entitlement reform during a Romney-Ryan Administration. That would mean some progress on the spending side and […]
[…] be sure, it’s possible to reverse this trend if we implement entitlement reform. But how likely is that given the short-sighted outlook and self-interested attitude of the […]
[…] since I have low expectations, I’ll be delighted if we “merely” manage to get entitlement reform during a Romney-Ryan Administration. That would mean some progress on the spending side and […]
[…] payer problem). The good news is that we can easily solve the problem with a combination of entitlement reform (which deals with a direct cause of third-party payer and tax reform (which deals with an indirect […]
[…] since I have low expectations, I’ll be delighted if we “merely” manage to get entitlement reform during a Romney-Ryan Administration. That would mean some progress on the spending side and […]
[…] fulfill his promise the reduce the burden of government spending by implementing Paul Ryan’s entitlement reforms. But don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. Rate this:Share […]
[…] I’m never guilty of being an optimist, but two items caught my attention today that suggest the tide may be turning on entitlement reform. […]
[…] Maybe It Is Possible to Reform Health Entitlements 0 Apple Accessories In the Apple's world and get a big discount from SuntekStoredocument.write(''); I’m never guilty of being an optimist, but two items caught my attention today that suggest the tide may be turning on entitlement reform. […]
[…] I have strongly praised the GOP for embracing entitlement reform and supporting the Ryan budget, I’m not under any illusions that the average Republican […]
[…] I’m never guilty of being an optimist, but two items caught my attention today that suggest the tide may be turning on entitlement reform. […]
[…] I give speeches about entitlement reform, I often make the point that there’s nothing radical about Paul Ryan’s plan to reform […]
[…] I give speeches about entitlement reform, I often make the point that there’s nothing radical about Paul Ryan’s plan to reform […]
[…] fiscal outlook of the United States, I feel even more sorry for American taxpayers. Thanks to misguided entitlement programs, we’re in even deeper trouble than Europe’s welfare states. Rate this:Share […]
[…] Here’s a riddle for policy wonks. What do you get if you take my videos on the economics of government spending and mix them in a blender with my videos on America’s entitlement crisis? […]
[…] One final point from the column that’s worth emphasizing is that Ryan does the right kind of entitlement reform. […]
[…] final point from the column that’s worth emphasizing is that Ryan does the right kind of entitlement reform. One of the best features of the Ryan budget is that he reforms the two big health entitlements […]
[…] repeal the costly Obamacare program and then build upon that small first step with a commitment to reform the other unaffordable entitlement programs. Rate this:Share this:PrintEmailFacebookTwitterMoredeliciousDiggFarkLinkedInRedditStumbleUponLike […]
[…] final point from the column that’s worth emphasizing is that Ryan does the right kind of entitlement reform. One of the best features of the Ryan budget is that he reforms the two big health entitlements […]
[…] job, Congress would have to enact a law to repeal Obamacare. Laws also would need to be changed to reform entitlements, or adopt a flat […]
[…] job, Congress would have to enact a law to repeal Obamacare. Laws also would need to be changed to reform entitlements, or adopt a flat […]
[…] job, Congress would have to enact a law to repeal Obamacare. Laws also would need to be changed to reform entitlements, or adopt a flat […]
[…] was risky because it gives Obama and his allies an opportunity to demagogue the GOP ticket about entitlement reform. I disagree. Even if Romney picked Nancy Pelosi, that demagoguery was going to happen. Heck, […]
[…] would be a terrible idea. Simply stated, politicians would have no reason to control spending or reform entitlements if they had a new source of tax […]
[…] was risky because it gives Obama and his allies an opportunity to demagogue the GOP ticket about entitlement reform. I disagree. Even if Romney picked Nancy Pelosi, that demagoguery was going to happen. Heck, […]
[…] was risky because it gives Obama and his allies an opportunity to demagogue the GOP ticket about entitlement reform. I disagree. Even if Romney picked Nancy Pelosi, that demagoguery was going to happen. Heck, […]
[…] let’s all agree that we should reform entitlements and shut down useless federal […]
[…] it be nice if we could actually have an open and honest debate about real issues, such as entitlement reform? Or how best to fix our corrupt tax […]
[…] By contrast, Greece is a bankrupt, high-tax welfare state, and the United States sooner or later will suffer the same fate because of misguided entitlement programs. […]
[…] By contrast, Greece is a bankrupt, high-tax welfare state, and the United States sooner or later will suffer the same fate because of misguided entitlement programs. […]
[…] By contrast, Greece is a bankrupt, high-tax welfare state, and the United States sooner or later will suffer the same fate because of misguided entitlement programs. […]
[…] But what Obama conveniently overlooks is that spending on so-called public goods is only about 10 percent of the federal budget. The vast majority of government spending is for unambiguously harmful outlays on transfers, consumption, and entitlements. […]
[…] But what Obama conveniently overlooks is that spending on so-called public goods is only about 10 percent of the federal budget. The vast majority of government spending is for unambiguously harmful outlays on transfers, consumption, and entitlements. […]
[…] that this makes the UK special. Thanks to reckless entitlement programs, the same data shows that the United States also is headed for Greek-style fiscal […]
[…] that this makes the UK special. Thanks to reckless entitlement programs, the same data shows that the United States also is headed for Greek-style fiscal chaos. Rate […]
[…] or later will spread to the supposedly prudent nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. And, thanks to entitlement programs, the United States isn’t that far […]
[…] This issue has become hot again now that another big name has decided to escape the IRS, and I discuss the issue on Fox News. In my first soundbite, I warn that expatriation is driven by a combination of punitive tax policy and a growing perception that America will suffer a Greek-style fiscal crisis thanks to poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] So the parts of the budget that theoretically might generate some positive spin-offs are trivial. The vast majority of spending, by contrast, is consumed by inefficient tax-and-transfer entitlement programs. […]
[…] I even outlined several specific scenarios where that might occur, including giving the politicians more money in exchange for a flat tax or giving them additional revenue in exchange for real entitlement reform. […]
[…] or later will spread to the supposedly prudent nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. And, thanks to entitlement programs, the United States isn’t that far […]
[…] or later will spread to the supposedly prudent nations such as Germany and the Netherlands. And, thanks to entitlement programs, the United States isn’t that far […]
[…] shouldn’t get cocky. Our long-term fiscal outlook is equally grim. We can avoid a crisis if entitlement programs are reformed, but that obviously isn’t going to happen anytime […]
[…] the continent-wide fiscal crisis occurs (because Europe has poorly designed entitlement programs, just like America), and there’s no Germany or no IMF to provide bailouts, the looters and the moochers are […]
[…] This issue has become hot again now that another big name has decided to escape the IRS, and I discuss the issue on Fox News. In my first soundbite, I warn that expatriation is driven by a combination of punitive tax policy and a growing perception that America will suffer a Greek-style fiscal crisis thanks to poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] also need entitlement reform in the United States. Our demographics aren’t as bad as Estonia’s, but we all know […]
[…] the kind of humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] Normally, I get pessimistic about the future when I think about wasteful spending programs that will drive almost all developed nations into bankruptcy. And America is on that list, by the way, because of our poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] I even outlined several specific scenarios where that might occur, including giving the politicians more money in exchange for a flat tax or giving them additional revenue in exchange for real entitlement reform. […]
[…] I even outlined several specific scenarios where that might occur, including giving the politicians more money in exchange for a flat tax or giving them additional revenue in exchange for real entitlement reform. […]
[…] cliff because of promises to spend money on retirees, but the nitwits in Washington have created entitlements for the entire population and not just for a privileged class of […]
[…] is why I want to reform entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, and it’s why I want to shut down entire […]
[…] being said, I hope what I said was more persuasive, particularly my points about the long-term entitlement problem, the unfortunate impact of too many people being exempt from the income tax, the fact that America […]
[…] I’ve written several times that the United States will face a fiscal crisis if entitlement programs aren’t reformed, you won’t be surprised to see that I repeat those points in this CNBC […]
[…] I’ve written several times that the United States will face a fiscal crisis if entitlement programs aren’t reformed, you won’t be surprised to see that I repeat those points in this CNBC […]
[…] are just examples of nickel-and-dime programs. The bigger outrage is that politicians have created costly, inefficient, and bankrupt entitlement programs that threaten our fiscal future. var AdBrite_Title_Color = 'FFFF66'; var AdBrite_Text_Color = […]
[…] are just examples of nickel-and-dime programs. The bigger outrage is that politicians have created costly, inefficient, and bankrupt entitlement programs that threaten our fiscal […]
If you can afford $3000/month for private health insurance – good for you, you rare bird. Nobody else can afford that. “VOUCHERS” are a LIE (and you will be laughed out of the doctor’s office trying to pay with that joke-paper).
[…] are just examples of nickel-and-dime programs. The bigger outrage is that politicians have created costly, inefficient, and bankrupt entitlement programs that threaten our fiscal […]
One of the (many) problems with Medicaid is that you’re either on it, or you’re off it. There is no in-between. This causes people to fight to keep their incomes low enough to remain on the program so that they can continue to get medications – all medications, even the most expensive ones – for $2 (at least in the state where I practice medicine).
Medicaid – and probably welfare, and maybe even Medicare in part – should be set up as sliding-scale programs. For example: those whose income is at the Federal poverty level and below would have 100% coverage. From this to double the poverty level, Medicaid coverage would be decreased in steps of 1% until it is 0. One’s percentage assignment would be made yearly on April 15. There would thus remain an incentive to work and earn more, and it would cease being a punishment.
[…] But I also believe in giving praise when it’s warranted. That’s why I’ve written nice things about Bill Clinton and also why I praised House Republicans for supporting entitlement reform. […]
[…] In later posts, we’ll look to see whether American statists have learned any lessons about reforming entitlements so we avoid a future Greek-style fiscal crisis in America. Rate this:Share […]
[…] humility you only find in Washington, I call this “Mitchell’s Golden Rule“). The entitlement reforms in the Ryan budget would be a good start, along with some much-needed pruning of discretionary […]
[…] a disappointment because it endorsed higher taxes and urged sub-par entitlement changes rather than much-needed structural reforms. He also went after Grover Norquist because of the no-tax pledge, which I think is a valuable tool […]
[…] are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] a disappointment because it endorsed higher taxes and urged sub-par entitlement changes rather than much-needed structural reforms. He also went after Grover Norquist because of the no-tax pledge, which I think is a valuable tool […]
[…] shouldn’t get cocky. Our long-term fiscal outlook is equally grim. We can avoid a crisis if entitlement programs are reformed, but that obviously isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Like this:LikeBe the first to like this […]
[…] are obvious lessons from Europe for the United States. If politicians don’t reform entitlement programs, we’re doomed to have our own fiscal crisis at some point in the not-too-distant […]
[…] shouldn’t get cocky. Our long-term fiscal outlook is equally grim. We can avoid a crisis if entitlement programs are reformed, but that obviously isn’t going to happen anytime […]
[…] shouldn’t get cocky. Our long-term fiscal outlook is equally grim. We can avoid a crisis if entitlement programs are reformed, but that obviously isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Rate this: Share […]
[…] close with a rhetorical question that helps explain my skepticism: We know that entitlement reform is desperately needed to save America from becoming like Europe, but do we think such reform will […]
[…] All this sounds very depressing, but the good news is that we know the types of policies that will solve the problem. […]
[…] are solutions, of course, but don’t hold your breath waiting for them to be […]
[…] reforms. The long-term fiscal problems caused by Medicare and Medicaid are much larger. This three-part video series looks at the reforms that could address all three programs. Rate this: Share […]
[…] all, why would politicians reform entitlements if they have the option of slowly but surely pushing up the VAT rate? Rate this: Share […]
[…] when I was married and never got the last word). In this case, I said Congressman Ryan’s entitlement reforms are the solution, though I’m not sure how many people heard. Rate this: Share […]
[…] Not all entitlement reform is created equal. The right kind of reform changes the structure of programs to promote market forces, federalism, and fiscal sustainability. […]
I wish we had more statesmen that would take on the elephant in the room like you have.
[…] Everything You Need to Know about Entitlement Reform […]
[…] just not holding my breath that we’ll get real entitlement reform in the next four years. Rate this: Share […]
[…] is critical to save the nation from Greek-style fiscal collapse, especially if it is part of a comprehensive modernization of entitlement programs, and I was very impressed that the House of Representatives actually adopted a version of this […]
[…] overwhelming fiscal policy challenge for America is entitlement programs, as I explain in this set of videos. To protect America from becoming another Greece, we need personal retirement accounts for Social […]
[…] payroll taxes and incremental reform should not distract us from the enormously important issue of genuinely fixing entitlement programs, something that is needed to save America from Greek-style fiscal collapse at some point in the […]
[…] is a bit unfair and over the top. After all, these are the folks who voted last year for real entitlement reform, so I need to remind myself that politicians are combinations of good and […]
[…] people will argue that it’s impossible to restrain spending because of entitlement programs, but this set of videos shows how to reform Social Security, Medicare, and […]
“The housing bubble was in no way attributable to US government policies. It was a bubble in a private market”
That would be laughable if it weren’t so sad that people can actually perpetuate that myth. Bubbles, booms and busts are ALL attributable to goverment monetary and fiscal policy. They are a result of easy money always leading to hard times. Look at data on the housing bubble worldwide, and see the commonality – countries with easy money, government driven artificially low short-term interest rates, ALL experienced the bubble/bust. Even Tim Geithner admitted that the Fed played a critical role in the financial housing/mortgage meltdown..in his own words: “…monetary policy around the world was too loose too long. And that created this huge boom in asset prices, money chasing risk.” Econ 101. When will people actually do some studying? Sigh.
[…] people will argue that it’s impossible to restrain spending because of entitlement programs, but this set of videos shows how to reform Social Security, Medicare, and […]
[…] will argue that it’s impossible to restrain spending because of entitlement programs, but this set of videos shows how to reform Social Security, Medicare, and […]
[…] will argue that it’s impossible to restrain spending because of entitlement programs, but this set of videos shows how to reform Social Security, Medicare, and […]
[…] we’re going to reform entitlements, do it the right way. jQuery('#lazyload_post_0 img').lazyload({placeholder: […]
[…] we’re going to reform entitlements, do it the right way. Rate this: Share this:PrintEmailFacebookTwitterMoredeliciousDiggFarkLinkedInRedditStumbleUponLike […]
[…] key point in this excerpt is that the VAT is a substitute for entitlement reform. Without the VAT, politicians might actually reform the welfare state. But because of the VAT, they […]
[…] key point in this excerpt is that the VAT is a substitute for entitlement reform. Without the VAT, politicians might actually reform the welfare state. But because of the VAT, they […]
[…] He’s right that the main problem is in the future. As I’ve noted before, America is doomed to become Greece because of rising entitlement spending. […]
[…] He’s right that the main problem is in the future. As I’ve noted before, America is doomed to become Greece because of rising entitlement spending. […]
[…] Simply stated, the United States is in grave danger of becoming a European-style welfare state. Indeed, that will automatically happen in the next few decades because of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] Simply stated, the United States is in grave danger of becoming a European-style welfare state. indeed, that will automatically happen in the next few decades because of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] Simply stated, the United States is in grave danger of becoming a European-style welfare state. Indeed, that will automatically happen in the next few decades because of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
[…] Simply stated, the United States is in grave danger of becoming a European-style welfare state. Indeed, that will automatically happen in the next few decades because of demographic changes and poorly designed entitlement programs. […]
@ Jay: The Health Care people receive is deficient, and tends make people sicker. There’s no incentive to reduce costs in the system we have. Preventative care is not in the health care delivery interests. Artificial pricing of drugs is not helping. Fancy hospitals are not curing. 50m People are doing without insurance. This is not working.
[…] Given what’s happening in Europe and the fact that politicians so far have failed to enact genuine entitlement reform, the 64 percent should be 94 percent Share […]
[…] Given what’s happening in Europe and the fact that politicians so far have failed to enact genuine entitlement reform, the 64 percent should be 94 percent. Rate this: Share […]
[…] elaborate, not all entitlement reform is created equal. As I explained in this set of videos, good reform means putting individuals back in charge and restoring market forces. It means […]
“It’s unethical to profit from someone else’s poor health.”
Who says? In context, I take it that this is a criticism of American drug companies, health insurance, and the like. So what you really mean is, “It’s unethical to profit from helping someone to overcome his health problems.” And I can only say, Why? Would you also say that it is unethical to profit from someone else’s car problems, for example by charging him for your services in repairing it? Is it unethical to profit from someone else’s hunger, for example by running a grocery store?
Well, maybe you say yes. But the solution always offerred to this “ethical problem” is for the government to take over this function. But government employees are paid, so they also profit from people’s problems. Often they are paid very well. Is it unethical to profit from someone else’s ignorance, by accepting money to teach school? Is it unethical to profit from someone being victimized by criminals, by accepting money to be a policeman?
I wonder if the writer of this comment is paid to do some sort of job. Does that job address any problem or potential problem that people may have? If so, then you are profiting from this problem. If not, then I guess you are ripping people off by taking their money for nothing.
[…] payroll taxes and incremental reform should not distract us from the enormously important issue of genuinely fixing entitlement programs, something that is needed to save America from Greek-style fiscal collapse at some point in the […]
[…] Cato scholar Daniel J. Mitchell argues America’s fiscal crisis is basically a spending crisis, with excessive spending and borrowing driven by poorly designed, unsustainable entitlement programs like Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid in: Everything You Need to Know about Entitlement Reform. […]
When the government starts to get into a market, then people start pricing intot he government’s pocket which is essentially bottomless because, as we all know, the government does not have the will the to say “no.” As a result, prices go up and fewer and fewer people can afford whatever it is the government starting paying for as a means of helping out those few how could not afford it before and legitimately needed help and now you’re adding more and more who need the government to pay for them. It happened in the housing bubble. It’s happened in Big Education. How many kids have government subsidized student mega-debt? It’s happening in health care. Why keep your costs down when you can ride the governmnet subsidy gravy train? It’ll work right up until that train derails and the end of the tracks is looming large. We’re in for one heck of apainful market correction because our political will to say “no” is nil.
Thanks for your reply, Macfolk.
It is incorrect to say that “fiscal deficits are by definition a spending problem.” In fact, they are a product of a mismatch between spending and revenue. Now, it’s a perfectly legitimate political preference to want to decrease spending, but it is not compelled by The Math.
As to health care subsidies, the US has the freest health care market in the OECD. We spend much less from public expenditures, but we have much higher costs, and not-any-better results.
The housing bubble was in no way attributable to US government policies. It was a bubble in a private market. See: http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/11/examining-the-big-lie-how-the-facts-of-the-economic-crisis-stack-up/
I don’t understand why the Drum chart is misleading. It shows the long-term SS shortfall. There’s legitimate concern over SS, but its problems are not awful, and it’s not a serious cause of the long-term debt problem.
Reflectionephemeral,
First, stating that we tax and spend less than any other country in the OECD, says nothing about the reason for our fiscal crisis and shortfalls. Fiscal deficits are by definition a spending problem. You can argue that more revenue is needed, but until that revenue is actualized any deficit spending is a spending problem. Second, the rising cost of health care were addressed in the first and second video. By subsidizing health care through unrestrained medicare and medicaid, it encourages companies that provide health services and production to increase their prices. This is basic economics. It is the same reason that education costs are rising above inflationary rates, and it is the same reason that housing prices rose unchecked for the last 10 years. So saying that health care entitlements are not responsible for the fiscal crisis denies their culpability for the rise in health care costs to begin with. Third, the Kevin Drum article shows one graph, but fails to communicate the whole report that the graph is part of. It is bad proof-texting and fails to address the overall complexity of the problem.
The US has a very poor social system, because it does not correspond with the
“Capitalists” which dictate the system. All the citizens of this country need, is equality…give everyone the same benefirts (healthcare, pensions. etc) as Congress allots themselves.
Only then can you talk about a true democracy, “For the people, by the people, of the people.
Capitalism is as unsustainable as Socialism.has been..An injection of both ideologies is the only thing that is sistainable.
Medicare is the most efficient insurance system we have. Not once did you guys mention preventative medicine, clean air, and water. New sidewalks and bicycle paths would lower health costs. It’s unethical to profit from someone else’s poor health. I am surprised at CATO’s singular adoption of the Ryan Plan, which just lines the pockets of middlemen. The voucher COLA at GDP+ 1% will not keep up with the inflation we are seeing in health care. WAKE UP !
Fabrizio: “Some of the points that you’ve made rely on limited data, or make assumptions which are completely irrelevant.”
I listed a series of facts– about the outlook of the long-term debt problem, about the difference between health care spending vs. Social Security spending, about the US’s very low taxes and spending– with links to substantiation.
You indicate that you don’t like those facts.
Now, that’s fine, that’s your right. But could you perhaps be good enough as to offer a rationale for your assertion?
Ephemeral, you can’t simply throw out a bunch of factoids and think it adds up to any kind of coherent whole. It doesn’t really work that way. Some of the points that you’ve made rely on limited data, or make assumptions which are completely irrelevant. You have, in short, made the mistake of not understanding your subject matter and thinking that a few convenient ‘facts’ amount to some kind of truth. With respect, it doesn’t really work like that, though I understand that’s how it is in the blogosphere. Just throw a bunch of sh^t against a wall and watch how it sticks.
“America’s fiscal crisis is actually a spending crisis”
This is false. We tax less and spend less than just about everybody else in the OECD. See: http://www.heritage.org/index/explore?view=by-variables
“More specifically, the vast majority of the problem is the result of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security”
This is misleading, for two reasons. First, the problem with Medicare and Medicaid is largely the economy-wide problem of rising health care costs. See: http://www.poisonyourmind.com/2011/08/the-long-term-debt-issue-is-health-care-costs-2/ You’ll note that Medicare and Medicaid actually do a better job controlling price increases than do private insurers. Also, the US spends more private money & less public money on health care, and spends about 2.5 times as much as the rest of the OECD, for care that is no better.
Second, it is misleading to conflate health care spending with Social Security. While M&M spending is projected to increase a great deal, SS has a modest long-term shortfall that can be fixed in a number of different ways, such as by reducing benefits in a few decades. See: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2010/10/most-important-social-security-chart
“Here’s what you need to know: America’s fiscal crisis is actually a spending crisis, and that spending crisis is driven by entitlements.”
Dan, we have a military empire which is at least equally complicit in the bankrupting of America. I don’t think we should exclude that fact from the spending crisis.